Greece was fighting to avoid economic disaster tonight amid political stalemate, nationwide strikes and controversial claims that the country could leave the eurozone without triggering a single currency crisis.

A Europe-wide crackdown on bank bonuses must be implemented with equal force in all major financial centres, British officials said today.

Small businesses in Britain prepared to employ women “of child-bearing age” must be mad, a Euro-MPs said today.

LIBERTAS leader Declan Ganley said he would need 30 MEPs in the European Parliament to make an impact, but refused to say if he would field candidates in next June’s elections.

Euro MPs today called for European-wide rules governing professional football - from stadium security and television rights to financial management and the training of young talent.

Ann Cahill, European Correspondent, Strasbourg

NEWLY elected MEP Kathy Sinnott is having to reconsider the political group she joined on her first day in the European Parliament after one of its members came out against women’s rights.